Structures & Materials Engineer – Lead

Astra Core-X; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 135,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Bonus eligible

Job summary

Astra CoreX, Inc. seeks a Lead Structures & Materials Engineer to lead the design, analysis, qualification, and improvement of structural and thermal components for rocket propulsion systems, flight vehicles, and ground support equipment.

The role requires a BS in engineering, 3–10 years of aerospace experience, and proficiency with FEA tools. U.S. citizenship and eligibility for government security clearance are required. The position is based in Colorado, with competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering required.
• 3–10 years designing and analyzing aerospace structures.
• Proficiency with structural FEA software (ANSYS/Abaqus/NASTRAN).
• Experience in static and nonlinear structural analysis.
• Deep familiarity with composites and advanced materials.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze flight structures, motor cases, nozzles, ground test stands, and towers.
• Perform bolted joint hand calculations and FEA (structural/thermal).
• Select materials for high temp/pressure environments.
• Support additive manufacturing of polymers, composites, and metals.
• Lead failure investigations in lab and flight/test scenarios.
• Support propulsion system static fire and launch testing.

Skills

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

Static analysis

Nonlinear analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering

Master’s or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

NASTRAN

Job description

Clearance: U.S. Citizenship Required (ITAR/DoW Programs)

About the Role

Astra CoreX, Inc. (ACX) is seeking a Lead Structures & Materials Engineer to lead the design, analysis, qualification, and continuous improvement of structural and thermal components for rocket propulsion systems, flight vehicles, and associated ground support equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and analyze flight structures, motor cases, nozzles, ground test stands, and launch towers.
• Perform bolted joint hand calculations and structural and thermal FEA.
• Select composites, metals, and insulation materials for high pressure/high temperature environments.
• Support additive manufacturing of polymers, composites, and metallic parts.
• Lead failure investigations in lab tests, ground propulsion tests, and flight tests.
• Support propulsion system static fire and launch vehicle flight testing.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering.
• 3-10 years of experience designing and analyzing aerospace structures.
• Proficiency with ANSYS, Abaqus, or NASTRAN FEA.
• Experience conducting static and nonlinear structural analysis.
• Deep familiarity with composites and other advanced materials.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• U.S. citizen with eligibility for government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering
• 10+ years of experience designing and analyzing aerospace structures.
• Experience designing and analyzing rocket or missile structures.
• Experience developing thermal protection systems.
• Experience conducting explicit dynamic structural analysis and Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) in high temperature/high pressure environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Active U.S. government security clearance.

Salary Range

• $135k-$180k

• ACX offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short and Long-Term disability coverage from day one.
• We also offer a generous 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match.
• Every role at ACX is bonus eligible.

ACX is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.